Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., is starting off his second elected term as U.S. representative from the Third Congressional District on a high note.Already excited about being named to the House Committee on Appropriations late last year, Fleischmann confirmed this week that Appropriations Committee Chair Hal Rogers has appoi...

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By Darrell Richardson/Staff

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

By Darrell Richardson/Staff

Posted Jan. 21, 2013 at 5:20 PM
Updated Jan 21, 2013 at 5:24 PM

By Darrell Richardson/Staff

Posted Jan. 21, 2013 at 5:20 PM
Updated Jan 21, 2013 at 5:24 PM

Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., is starting off his second elected term as U.S. representative from the Third Congressional District on a high note.

Already excited about being named to the House Committee on Appropriations late last year, Fleischmann confirmed this week that Appropriations Committee Chair Hal Rogers has appointed him to the Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee; the Homeland Security Subcomittee; and the coveted Energy and Water Subcommittee — a subcomittee whose work is essential for key energy activities in Tennessee and across the nation.

In November, Fleischmann said he was pleased to be joining the Appropriations Committee, “which does critical work ensuring every tax dollar coming from hardworking Americans is spent wisely.

“With our national debt growing larger and larger, it is now more important than ever that we exercise strong fiscal discipline and work to cut unnecessary spending.”

A month and a half later, Fleischmann tells The Oak Ridger that being named to the Energy and Water Subcomittee took an additional amount of hard work — adding he is thankful for the appointment.

In fact, with his appointment also to the Homeland Security Subcommittee in particular, the legislator described his newest assignments in Congress as a “perfect fit” in regard to what’s being done and will be done in Oak Ridge.

“What we are doing in Oak Ridge,” he said, “is critically important to our state and nation.

“I want to continue to welcome my fellow legislators — from either side of the aisle — to come and see what’s happening at our premier lab … the Oak Ridge National Laboratory … and at the Uranium Processing Facility in the Y-12 National Security Complex, and why it’s important to continue to fund Oak Ridge cleanup efforts (at K-25).

“Whether it’s cleaning up and reclaiming the land for organizations such as CROET (the Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee) or SMRs (small modular reactors) or the UPF, Oak Ridge is leading the nation.”

During his first term, Fleischmann served on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

“The first term,” he said, “has prepared me well. I’ve spent considerable time building relationships and learning the district.

“Now I’m ready to build on what we have done in the first term. I’d like to think these new appointments are a reward for hard work and team work.”

Fleischmann describes himself as a fiscal and social conservative. As a result of recent redistricting, the U.S. representative now s